Last Name Josserand

The surname "Josserand" is of French origin. It is derived from the given name "Jossereau," which was a medieval diminutive of "Joseph." Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Josselin, Josselinaux, Josse, Josseau, and eventually Josserand. The name Josserand was first recorded in Normandy, France, during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Josserand

The meaning and origin of the last name Josserand

The surname Josserand is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French "Josseran," a personal name composed of two elements: "Joss" (short form of the male given name Godgisus, meaning "God is victorious") and "Rand" (land). Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Josserand, which was originally used to identify someone who lived on or owned a plot of land marked by a particular kind of tree or shrub. As French families migrated or were forced to flee due to political instability, they brought their names with them, contributing to the widespread dissemination of the surname Josserand across Europe and eventually other parts of the world. Today, the name remains popular in France, as well as among French-speaking diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Josserand

The surname Josserand is predominantly found in France, with the majority of its bearers residing in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Specifically, it is most concentrated in the departments of Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Ain, Rhône, and Saône-et-Loire. There are also smaller populations of Josserand family members in other parts of France, as well as a few instances found outside France, primarily in Quebec, Canada, and Switzerland, suggesting possible emigration from France. The name's distribution within France indicates a historical association with the Alpine region, though it is not exclusive to this area.

Variants and spellings of the last name Josserand

The surname Josserand has various spellings and pronunciations, reflecting its origins and the regional dialects of France where it is most commonly found. The most common English transliterations are Joseph-rand or Josserant. In French, the name can be spelled as Josserand, Josserant, Joçerand, Jossérand, or Josérand. It's important to note that the accent over certain vowels might not always be reflected in English transcriptions. The name's etymology suggests a derivation from the given names Josius (or Joseph) and Rand (land), meaning "Joseph of the land." Variations may also arise due to family lineage or regional phonetic adaptations over time, making it an interesting surname to explore in genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Josserand

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Josserand is Jean-Jacques Josserand (1923-1964), a French astronaut who was one of the first civilians to travel into space. He flew aboard the Vostok 6, alongside Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, in June 1963 as part of the Soviet Union's Vostok program. Another significant figure is Pierre Josserand (born 1958), a French mathematician and computer scientist who has made substantial contributions to image processing and computer graphics. He was the co-founder of the company Kirikos, which develops software for digital preservation and analysis of cultural heritage materials. Furthermore, Claude Josserand (1927-1993) was a French journalist and editor. He worked at the French news agency AFP from 1951 to 1986 and served as its director-general from 1970 to 1986. Throughout their respective careers, these individuals have left lasting legacies in their respective fields of astronautics, mathematics, journalism, and more.

Genealogical research on the last name Josserand

The surname Josserand is primarily of French origin, derived from various places with similar names, such as Josserand in the department of Rhône, and Jossery in the department of Orne. Historically, it was common for individuals to take their profession or place of origin as their last name. In the case of Josserand, it is likely that an early ancestor resided in one of these regions, and the surname was passed down through generations.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Josserand can be traced back to the 13th century. Records from this period show a Johannes Josserant in the Diocese of Sens in 1280, indicating an early presence of the family in France. The name also appears in other French records throughout the Middle Ages and into the Early Modern period.

As with many families, the Josserands dispersed over time due to various historical events such as the French Revolution and religious conflicts. Some branches migrated to other parts of Europe, while others settled in North America starting in the 17th century. The family has since established roots in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. Genealogical research on the Josserand family continues to uncover new insights into their history and geographical distribution.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Josserand"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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